Animal grooming station with safety release

ABSTRACT

A pet grooming station includes an electrically actuated separable coupler mechanically coupled between a tether point and a lead to a collar or a noose. At least one wired or wirelessly coupled pressure sensitive mat is adapted to sense a presence of a person or an animal on the at least one pressure sensitive mat. The electrically actuated separable coupler is in a coupled state when the pressure sensitive mat senses the presence of the person standing on the mat. Or, when the person is no longer standing on the mat, the electrically actuated separable coupler separates. The electronic controls of the station can be programmed to provide a predetermined or selectable time delay in a range of about 0 to 2 seconds before causing the electrically actuate separable coupler to separate. An upgrade kit or modification kit for existing pet grooming stations is also described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is co-pending with, claims priority to, and is acontinuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/402,677, entitled ANIMAL GROOMINGSTATION WITH SAFETY RELEASE, filed May 3, 2019, which claims priority toand is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No. 16/293,039,entitled ANIMAL GROOMING STATION WITH SAFETY RELEASE, filed Mar. 5,2019, the disclosure of both are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties herein.

FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

The application relates to animal grooming stations and particularly toanimal grooming stations which restrain the animal by a lead, collar ornoose.

BACKGROUND

Pet grooming stations provide efficient platforms for an animal groomerto comfortably work sitting or standing next to an animal being caredfor. However, there is some risk of injury to the animal, should itwalk, jump, or fall off the table, particularly where the animal isrestrained or tethered by a lead or loop around the animal's neck orhead, sometimes referred to as a noose.

SUMMARY

A pet grooming station includes a grooming table or tub adapted tosupport an animal to be groomed. A tether point is affixed to oradjacent to said grooming table or tub. An electrically actuatedseparable coupler is mechanically coupled between said tether point anda lead to a collar or a noose. At least one pressure sensitive mat isdisposed either on or adjacent to the grooming table or tub, and the atleast one pressure sensitive mat is adapted to sense a presence of aperson or the animal on the pressure sensitive mat. An electronicscontroller is operatively coupled to both the electrically actuatedseparable coupler and by a connection to the at least one pressuresensitive mat. The electrically actuated separable coupler is controlledby the electronics controller, such that it is in a coupled state whenthe pressure sensitive mat senses the presence of the person or theanimal on the pressure sensitive mat, or when the at least one pressuresensitive mat senses that the person or the animal is not, or no longeron the pressure sensitive mat, the electronics controller causes theelectrically actuated separable coupler to separate.

The electronics controller can includes a predetermined or selectabletime delay of about 0 to 2 seconds from sensing that the person or theanimal is no longer on the at least one pressure sensitive mat beforecausing the electrically actuated separable coupler to separate.

An alarm can be activated during the predetermined or selectable timedelay. The alarm can be a light or audible noise.

The pet grooming station can include an audible warning which sounds ifthe pressure sensitive mat indicates that the person is not standing onthe pressure sensitive mat. The audible warning can include a buzzerand/or an electronic sound generator.

The pet grooming station can include a warning light which illuminatesin a steady or a flashing pattern when the pressure sensitive matindicates that the person is not standing on the at least one pressuresensitive mat.

The connection between the electronics controller and the at least onepressure sensitive mat can be a wireless connection. The wirelessconnection to the at least one pressure sensitive mat can include aBluetooth connection and/or a WIFI connection.

The at least one pressure sensitive mat may include a weight sensitiveelectrical contact mat with a preset range of weight detection. Theselection of weight sensitive mats can include a plurality of weightsensitive mats to be placed individually one at a time, on a top surfaceof the grooming table, each mat having a preset range of weightdetection adapted to detect the presence of a particular type of animalto be groomed.

The at least one pressure sensitive mat can include a weight sensitiveanalog weight indicating mat. The weight sensitive analog weightindicating mat can include a capacitive or a resistive weight sensor.

The at least one pressure sensitive mat can include a weight scale on orin the grooming table.

The electrically actuated separable coupler can be an electricallyactuated solenoid to hold or release a detachable part.

The tether point can be disposed in or on a grooming post adjacent tothe pet grooming station. Alternatively, the tether point can be a hookor loop mechanically coupled to a wall of the pet grooming station, oran adjacent wall. The grooming post can be fixed, adjustably coupled toor adjacent to the pet grooming station. The grooming post can alsoinclude a free-standing post. The tether point can include a hook orloop which is mechanically coupled to a wall of the pet groomingstation, or an adjacent wall.

The pet grooming station can include a wash station where the hook orloop is mechanically coupled to a wall of the wash station.

An upgrade kit or modification kit for a pet grooming station includesan electrically actuated separable coupler that is adapted to bemechanically coupled between a tether point of said pet grooming stationor to an adjacent tether point, and a lead to a collar or a noose. Atleast one pressure sensitive mat is disposed on or adjacent to a petgrooming table or tub, the at least one pressure sensitive mat isadapted to sense a presence of a person or an animal on said at leastone pressure sensitive mat. An electronics controller is configured tobe operatively coupled to both of the electrically actuated separablecoupler and the at least one pressure sensitive mat. Following anassembly of the upgrade kit or modification kit, the electricallyactuated separable coupler as controlled by said electronics controller,is in a coupled state when the at least one pressure sensitive matsenses the presence of the person or the animal on the pressuresensitive mat, or when the pressure sensitive mat senses that the personor the animal is not on the pressure sensitive mat, the electronicscontroller causes the electrically actuated separable coupler toseparate.

The electronics controller of the upgrade kit can be programed toinclude a predetermined or selectable time delay of about 0 to 2 secondsfrom sensing that the person or the animal is not or no longer on thepressure sensitive mat before causing the electrically actuatedseparable coupler to separate.

An alarm can be activated during the predetermined or selectable timedelay, and the alarm can be a light or audible noise.

The upgrade kit can include an audible warning which sounds if thepressure sensitive mat indicates that the person is not standing on thepressure sensitive mat. The audible warning can include a buzzer and/oran electronic sound generator.

The upgrade kit can include a warning light which illuminates in asteady or a flashing pattern when the pressure sensitive mat indicatesthat the person is not standing on the at least one pressure sensitivemat.

In the upgrade kit, the connection between the electronics controllerand the at least one pressure sensitive mat can be a wirelessconnection. The wireless connection to the at least one pressuresensitive mat can include a Bluetooth connection and/or a WIFIconnection.

The at least one pressure sensitive mat includes a weight sensitiveelectrical contact mat with a preset range of weight detection. Aplurality of weight sensitive mats can be placed individually one at atime, on a top surface of the grooming table, each mat can have a presetrange of weight detection adapted to detect the presence of a particularsize or type of animal to be groomed.

In the upgrade kit, the electrically actuated separable couplercomprises an electrically actuated solenoid to hold or release adetachable part.

A method for safely grooming an animal on a grooming table includesproviding at least one pressure sensitive mat adapted to be disposed onor adjacent to the grooming table, the grooming table adapted to supportthe animal wearing a collar or a noose to tether the animal to thegrooming table by an electrically actuated separable coupler; sensing apresence or absence of a person or an animal by an electronicscontroller to establish a presence indication of the person or pet onsaid at least one pressure sensitive mat; and controlling a coupled orreleased state of said electrically actuated separable coupler based onsaid presence indication, wherein in the presence of the person or theanimal, said electrically actuated separable coupler remains coupled,and in the absence of the person or the animal on at least one of saidat least one pressure sensitive mat, said electrically actuatedseparable coupler separates to release a lead of the collar or noose.

The method can also include controlling a coupled or released state ofthe electrically actuated separable coupler includes a predetermined orselectable time delay from 0 to about 2 seconds from the sensing anabsence of a person or an animal by an electronics controller to thecausing the electrically actuated separable coupler to separate.

In an event where the animal jumps or falls off said grooming table, theperson stepping off of said at least one pressure sensitive mat torelease the lead to the collar of the animal to prevent accidentalhanging or strangulation of the animal.

The electrically actuated separable coupler can include an electricallyactuated solenoid to hold or release a detachable part. The detachablepart can include a magnet and/or the detachable part can include aferrous metal.

There can be a second pressure sensitive mat located at about the floorlevel about adjacent to another side of the animal grooming table.

The electronics controller can include at least one processor. Theelectronics controller can include a delay in hardware or in firmwarewhich causes a pre-determined delay time between an indication of theperson not present on the at least one pressure sensitive mat and tocause a separated state of the electrically actuated separable coupler.The pre-determined delay time can be a delay time between about 0seconds and 2 seconds.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages of theapplication will become more apparent from the following description andfrom the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the application can be better understood with referenceto the drawings described below, and the claims. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles described herein. In the drawings, likenumerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views.

FIG. 1 is a drawing of an exemplary pet grooming station of the priorart;

FIG. 2 is a drawing of the pet grooming station of FIG. 1 modified withthe new structure of the Application;

FIG. 3 is a drawing of the pet grooming station of FIG. 2 showingseparation of the electrically actuated separable coupler;

FIG. 4 is a drawing of the pet grooming station of FIG. 2 with a visualwarning;

FIG. 5 is a drawing of the pet grooming station of FIG. 2 with an audiowarning; and

FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an exemplary electromagnet and mechanicaleye;

FIG. 7A shows an exemplary flexible loop for restraining animals duringhandling such as during grooming or examination or operation or in bathtubs;

FIG. 7B shows the exemplary flexible loop or angled harness of FIG. 7Aas modified by the addition of two electrically actuated separablecouplers;

FIG. 8A shows an exemplary pet grooming stand with two elongatedL-shaped posts;

FIG. 8B shows the exemplary L-shaped posts of FIG. 8A as modified by theaddition of two electrically actuated separable couplers.

FIG. 9A shows an exemplary structure of the prior art to secure ananimal by its neck, chest or haunch;

FIG. 9B shows the exemplary structure of FIG. 9A as modified by theaddition of two electrically actuated separable couplers.

FIG. 10A shows an exemplary structure of the prior art with an L-shapedrod and multiple hooks;

FIG. 10B shows the exemplary structure of FIG. 10A as modified by theaddition of two electrically actuated separable couplers.

FIG. 11A shows an exemplary structure of the prior art with arestraining bar and multiple additional tethering points.

FIG. 11B shows the exemplary structure of FIG. 11A as modified by theaddition of an electrically actuated separable coupler;

FIG. 12 shows the exemplary structure of FIG. 10A as modified by aU-shaped post;

FIG. 13 shows the exemplary structure of FIG. 2 having a standalonegrooming post;

FIG. 14 is a drawing of the pet grooming station of FIG. 2 showing anexemplary wireless connection between each of the pressure sensitivemats and the electronics controller; and

FIG. 15 is a drawing of the pet grooming station of FIG. 2 showing anexemplary pressure sensitive mat placed on the top surface of the animalgrooming table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

Pet grooming station—A pet grooming station includes a raised surface sothat an animal groomer can groom the animal at about a relativelystandard table height which height may or may not be further adjustable.Any animal of appropriate size and weight can be groomed or examined onsuch a table, however most typically such tables are used to groom petdogs or pet cats. The grooming station typically includes four tablelike legs and can include foldable or portable tables. A fold downgrooming table or table fixed mounted to a wall is also included andsuitable for the new structures and methods of the Application. Also, asuitable grooming table in a pet care vehicle may be mounted as aportable table, fixed table, or foldable table, typically against a wallof the vehicle. A pet grooming station may be used only for care of fur,including trimming, cutting, and other fur care. Also includes are petgrooming stations which have a liquid drain for wash water, includingsome table tops which may have one or more surfaces which slope in anddown towards a drain to facilitate drainage. Also, there may be anysuitable number of sides or raised surfaces of any suitable size andshape along any or all of the edges of the grooming table to helpprevent an animal from falling off the table, as well as to contain furor claw clippings from nail trimming. Also, there can be any suitableledges, gutters, baskets, etc. and any combination thereof to hold petgrooming equipment, supplies and/or to catch waste fur, clippings, etc.which result from grooming animals. Pet grooming station as usedhereinbelow also includes animal wash stations, such as, for example,home and commercial pet grooming tubs.

Tether point—Typically, a lead to a collar or a noose is secured bytying, a hook, or by clipping to a hook or eye on a grooming post.However, particularly for an animal wash station, there may more likelybe a sliding bar or one or more hooks, eyes, or U shaped parts to clipon to. Or, there can be suction cups with hooks or eyes. Any suitablemounting point on which to affix or mechanically couple an electricallyactuated separable coupler of the new system and method of theapplication is referred to herein as a tether point.

Pet grooming stations are well known in the art, especially since thelate 1970's. The advantage of a pet grooming station is that the animalis raised to about a normal table top working height. Also, the animalcan be somewhat secured on the table by either a tether which clips tothe animal's normal collar, or an adjustable noose. FIG. 1 is a drawingof an exemplary commercially available pet grooming station.

Typically, animal groomers are instructed to always have one hand on theanimal while grooming, to maintain the position of the animal on thegroom table surface, as well as to prevent the animal from walking,jumping, or otherwise falling off the grooming table. Unfortunately, alarge number of animals are still injured or killed at pet groomingstations where they inadvertently leave the table top surface and end uphanging by their collar or a noose. What is needed is a system andmethod where an animal can be more safely tethered to the grooming postwhere in the event of a fall or any other inadvertent departure from thegrooming table, the tether can be automatically released so as toprevent, or at least minimize injury to the animal, to avoid anaccidental hanging.

For convenience, solutions of the Application are shown and explained inthe context of the exemplary pet grooming station of FIG. 1. However,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the techniques andstructures of the new system and method are generally applicable to anysuitable grooming table fixed, portable, folding or mobile type animalgrooming station. The new system and method of the Application is alsosuitable for use with wash stations, including animal grooming tubs.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of an exemplary pet grooming station according tothe Application. The pet grooming station 200 includes an animalgrooming table 220 adapted to support an animal to be groomed. Agrooming post 213 is mechanically coupled at a first end of the groomingpost to the animal grooming table 220. Typically, grooming posts areadjustably affixed as shown in FIG. 2. The grooming post 213 isadjustably coupled at about a first end of the grooming post, by anadjustable mechanical coupler (typically a sliding coupler) which allowsthe pole height to be set or adjusted for the sitting or standing heightof the animal to be groomed. In other embodiments, there canalternatively be, for example, any suitable telescoping grooming post.

An electrically actuated separable coupler 212 includes an electricallyactuated part 201 and a detachable part 203. The electrically actuatedpart 201 is mechanically coupled to an opposite end of the grooming postand adapted to releasably couple a lead or tether 210 and collar, or atether and noose, affixed to the detachable part 203. The animal to begroomed is thus detachably connected to the grooming post 213 by theelectrically actuated separable coupler 212.

At least one pressure sensitive mat 244 is disposed at a floor levelabout adjacent to the pet grooming station 200. Floor level refers tothe surface on which the animal groomer stands. It is unimportantwhether that level is the floor level of the surrounding room, or araised or lower surface near the grooming station.

An electronics controller 256 is operatively coupled to both of theelectrically actuated separable coupler parts and to the at least onepressure sensitive mat 244. The electrically actuated separable coupleras controlled by said electronics controller 256, is in a coupled statewhen the at least one pressure sensitive mat senses a presence of aperson standing on the pressure sensitive mat 244. Or, when the at leastone pressure sensitive mat senses that the person is not standing on thepressure sensitive mat 244, the electronics controller 256 causes theelectrically actuated separable coupler to separate following apredetermined or selectable time delay in a range of about 0 to 2seconds.

The new method for safely grooming an animal on an animal grooming tableof the Application includes: the groomer standing on at least onepressure sensitive mat 244 disposed at a floor level adjacent to theanimal grooming table 220 where an animal wearing a collar (or noose) istethered to the grooming table 220 by an electrically actuated separablecoupler 201. An electronics controller senses the presence or absence ofthe person to establish a presence indication of the person on the atleast one pressure sensitive mat 244. The electrically actuatedseparable coupler 212 is controlled between a coupled or a releasedstate based on the presence indication. In the presence of the person,the electrically actuated separable coupler remains coupled. However, inan absence of the person standing on the at least one pressure sensitivemat 244, the electrically actuated separable coupler separates torelease the lead and collar of the animal by releasing the detachablepart 203. There can be a delay time, such as for example, between about0 to 2 seconds, from a detection of the absence of the person standingon the at least one pressure sensitive mat 244 (i.e. the groomer stepsoff the mat), and the electrically actuated separable coupler separatingto release the lead and collar of the animal by releasing the detachablepart 203.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of the pet grooming station of FIG. 2 showing theelectrically actuated separable coupler separated, releasing theautomatically detachable part 203 and the lead and collar of the animalfrom the grooming post 213.

In many typical grooming situations, the grooming station may allowenough floor space around the grooming station where the groomer canwalk around the table. A problem is that typically a pressure sensitivemat 244 is supplied as a rectangular shape, extending along one side ofthe table. Therefore, to walk around to the other side of the table, thegroomer, for example, first steps off of a first pressure sensitive mat244, and then walks a few steps around the grooming table, beforestepping onto the second pressure sensitive mat 242. The problem is thatthe electrically actuated separable coupler should not separate in thiscase where the groomer is simply moving from one side of the groomingstation to another side while still in positive control of the animal,where the animal is not in danger.

The problem was solved by introducing a small (resettable) delay timebetween stepping off the pressure sensitive mat 244 and stepping backonto the second pressure sensitive mat 242, which applies in theopposite direction as well, when stepping off pressure sensitive mat 242to move to pressure sensitive mat 244. The exact delay time can beeither fixed or varied, however about 1 to 2 second delay has been foundto be sufficient for the groomer to step off one pressure sensitive matonto another pressure sensitive mat. The time delay is “resettable” inthat once started, if within the 1 to 2 seconds a presence of a groomeron either mat is detected, the electrically actuated part 201 will notdetach.

A trade-off for fixing or setting the delay time is that in normaloperation, in the case of an inadvertent animal departure from thegrooming table, the groomer can intentionally with purpose step off themat to cause a separation of the electrically actuated separable couplerto prevent an accidental hanging. Therefore, the time from groomerstep-off to tether 210 release should be fast enough to release theanimal from the tether 210, or not much longer than about 1 to 2seconds.

At least for the reason of moving from one mat to another, there willtypically be a delay time from detection of an absence of the groomer onthe mat to separation of the electrically actuated separable coupler.However, more generally, there may configurations where it is desirableto have no delay time, or less delay. Therefore, a preset or settabledelay time is in a range from about 0 seconds to about 2 seconds. It maybe possible to extend that delay time over 2 seconds, however atincreased risk of an animal injury by accidental hanging.

Typically, the electrically actuated separable coupler 212, and the oneor more pressure sensitive mats (242, 244) are wired to the electronicscontroller 256 by any suitable wires or cables. For example, in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the pressure sensitive mats 242, 244 arecabled to the electronics controller 256 by cables 241, 243respectively, and the electrically actuated separable coupler 212 isconnected the electronics controller 256 by cable 205. Cable 205 canoptionally be routed in part or in whole through a hollow part of agrooming post 213.

Electrical power—The grooming station will usually include aconventional AC power cord 299 with any suitable AC/DC power supplydisposed inline or within the electronics controller 256 enclosure, or aseparate power supply which supplies any suitable DC voltage to powerthe electronics controller 256. In some applications, such as, forexample, for a mobile grooming situation, the components, including theelectronics controller 256 and electrically separable coupler 212, canbe adapted to operate from a standard vehicle DC power supply, such as avan or truck 12V DC battery bus. Also, instead of a direct AC powercable connected to the grooming station, a modular “wall wort” powersupply can be used to supply a relatively low voltage DC power to theelectronics controller 256 and other components for any of the reasonsof economy, safety, and/or convenience.

Connections between components—Any suitable operative connections can beused, such as for example, any suitable wireless connection between eachof the pressure sensitive mats (e.g. by a battery operated wirelessdevice) and the electronics controller 256. The electronics controller256 can operate the electrically actuated separable coupler 212 based onany suitable logic, including hard wired logic with or without a relay.The electronics controller 256 would typically, but not necessary,include a processor, such as, for example, a processor basedmicrocontroller or microcomputer.

Optional visual or audio warning—The groomer can be warned of animpending automatic separation of the electrically actuated separablecoupler 212 which will free the animal. FIG. 4 is a drawing of the petgrooming station of FIG. 2 showing an additional visual warning disposedat about eye level on the grooming post. The visual warning can use atleast one or more of any suitable light, lamp, or bulb. For example,there can be one or more steady or flashing LEDs of any suitable type,brightness, color, and any combination thereof.

In some configurations, the visual warning can light immediately(substantially without delay) on detection of the groomer stepping off apressure sensitive mat. That way, if the groomer accidentally shiftstheir weight off the pressure sensitive mat, they will have at least amoment of time following the warning, rather than being first surprisedby an actual tether release freeing the animal from the post where thereis no apparent danger or risk to the animal.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of the pet grooming station of FIG. 2 showing anadditional audio warning disposed at about ear level on the groomingpost. The warning can be any suitable tone or audio message (e.g.“tether separating” or “animal release”). The audio warning can be anysuitable buzzer, speaker, tone generator, etc., or any suitablecombinations thereof. The audio warning can operate as describedhereinabove for the visual warning. Either one separately, or bothtogether, can be present.

There can be any suitable box or enclosure to house either one of orboth of a visual or audio warning. Or, either or both of a visual andaudio warning can be physically mounted into or on the grooming postitself.

Electrically actuated separable coupler—Any suitable electricallyactuated separable coupler 212 can be used where electrically actuatedpart 201, holds or releases a detachable part 203 or equivalent thereof.For example, typically the electrically actuated separable coupler willinclude any suitable electromagnet or solenoid device which magneticallycouples to any suitable magnet or releasable ferromagnetic part, such asa ferromagnetic puck with a hook, loop, clip, or any other suitablefastening means for a tether or leash.

A suitable coupler for the new system and method of the Applicationincludes, for example, use of a relatively light weight, but relativelystrong magnetic field rare-earth magnet, held captive or released by anysuitable electromagnet, such as a solenoid type electromagnet.

FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an exemplary suitable electromagnet for useas electrically actuated part 201 and an exemplary magnet mounted with amechanically coupled mechanical eye 601 for use as detachable part 203to which a tether can be clipped or tied. The tether can extend into orbe coupled to a typically adjustable noose, lead or a collar. The collarcan be part of the equipment of the grooming station, or there can be ageneral purpose clipping mechanism which can clip to the dog's regularcollar.

The at least one electrically actuated separable coupler need not be amagnet (detachable part) and electromagnet (electrically actuated part)pair. For example, instead of a solenoid operated electrically actuatedpart 201 and magnet and/or one or more ferrous parts, there can be anysuitable opening jaw, loop, clip, etc. operating by any suitableelectrically controlled means. For example, there can be a motor drivingworm gear which can open a jaw, or to retract a straight or rounded hookpart or section to release a captured tether or leash. Or,alternatively, there can be any suitable electrically releasable latchor clasp means, such as opened by powering any suitable electromagneticdevice, typically operated by an electrical solenoid or solenoid baseddevice.

A dog grooming station suitable for use with the new system and methodof the application can be manufactured using any suitable materialsincluding metals, plastics, synthetic materials, wood, or anycombination thereof. A solenoid, motor, movable claw, retractable ormovable latch, or any combination thereof can be used for theelectrically actuated part of the detachable part of the electricallyactuated separable coupler is typically made of metals such as steel andcopper wire for electromagnets. Any suitable ferrous material, permanentmagnet or any combination thereof, can be used for the detachable partof the electrically actuated separable coupler. Suitable AC solenoidsmay include a non-ferrous metal in the detachable part. Any suitableleashes with nooses, leashes with collars, leashes adapted to couple toan animal's regular collar, etc. can be used with the detachable part ofthe electrically actuated separable coupler. Any suitable mechanicalcoupling can be used to couple the leash, lead, or noose to thedetachable part including tying to, clipping on, clamping, latching,etc. The detachable part can include any suitable mechanical structureto accept the leash, lead, or noose including a mechanical hook, eye,through hole, threaded hole, bayonet coupler, hole, slot, etc.Mechanical couplings used to couple the leash, lead, or noose to thedetachable part can be made from any suitable metal, plastic, composite,wood, etc., or any combination thereof.

Optional reduced hold force during delay time—As described hereinabove,the electrically actuated separable coupler couples an electricallyactuated part to a detachable part. The electrically actuated part istypically magnetically coupled to the detachable part with a retentionforce sufficient to prevent an inadvertent de-coupling for typicalanimals to be groomed, such as, for example, a relatively large dog.Also, as described hereinabove, it is desirable to implement an optionaldelay time between about 0 seconds and two seconds from when an absenceof a person is detected from one or more pressure sensitive mats.

One rationale for the delay time of about 0 to 2 seconds from matstep-off to automatic separation of the electrically actuated separablecoupler is that if a groomer inadvertently steps off the mat, or stepsoff one mat on one side of the grooming station to move to another maton the other side of the grooming station, the electrically actuatedseparable coupler will not immediately separate, where there is noimmediate danger to the animal and where an inadvertent separation andunintentional release of the animal might in and of itself cause adangerous situation for either the groomer, the animal, or both of them.

However, another problem is that there still could be some risk of ananimal departing the grooming table reaching the end of the freedom ofmotion of a lead to a collar or a noose which results in an injury tothe animal.

One solution is a system and method according to the application withthe additional feature that during the 0 to 2 seconds from mat step-offdelay time, the retention force of the electrically actuated separablecoupler is automatically reduced to where the couple does notautomatically separate, however where the retention force is so reducedthat if the animal does depart the grooming table during the 0 to 2seconds from mat step-off delay time, the weight of the animal will pullthe electrically actuated separable coupler apart.

For example, an electrically actuated separable coupler when energized,can be set for a 50 pound retention force. It is unimportant if theretention force is pre-set (e.g. by model of solenoid used), or settableor adjustable (e.g. by varying the electrical current when theelectrically actuated part is energized). According to the additionalfeature, where the retention force is reduced during the 0 to 2 secondsfrom mat step-off delay time, the retention force could be, for example,automatically reduced to 2 pounds during the 0 to 2 seconds from matstep-off delay time. During the lower level of retention, during the 0to 2 seconds from mat step-off delay time, the detachable coupler has alower level of retention of, for example, two pounds of tension tomerely hold the coupler in a retained position, but where any relativelyslight movement of the animal or tugging on the loop, lead or noose canresult in a relatively easy detachment of the lead to a collar or anoose, during the higher risk period of injury.

That way, the lead to a collar or a noose would remain attached (thelead to a collar or a noose weighing less that 2 pounds, however shouldthe animal leave the table during the delay time, the weight of thefalling animal would cause a relatively easy and quick separation of theelectrically actuated separable coupler without causing a hanging orstrangulation type injury.

This optional feature of reduced retention force during the 0 to 2seconds from mat step-off delay time can also be particularly effectivewhere a groomer intentionally jumps off the pressure sensitive mat withthe intent to release the lead to a collar or a noose, because despitetheir best efforts to control the animal, the groomer witnesses theanimal inadvertently departing from the grooming table.

The exact preset or adjustable levels of electrically actuated separablecoupler retention force are unimportant to the new system and method ofthe application. Typically, it is expected that the normal level ofretention force would be in a range of about 6 pounds (e.g. for smallcats) to about 20 pounds (e.g. for larger cats), and about 10 -15 poundsfor small dogs to about 50 to 80 pounds for medium sized dogs, and about75 to 150 pounds for the largest dogs. The reduced retention force canbe set appropriate to the lead to a collar or a noose apparatus in use,typically in a range of about 1 pound for the lightest lead and collaror noose to about 5 pounds for heavier leads and associated collars ornooses.

The optional reduced hold force during delay time can be implemented,for example, in a solenoid based electrically actuated separable couplersystem, by reducing the solenoid current during the about 0 to 2 secondsfrom mat step-off delay time. Then, following the reduced current duringthe 0 to 2 seconds from mat step-off delay time, the current can bereduced to about zero, for automatic separation of the electricallyactuated separable coupler.

Alternative leads or harnesses—There are a great variety of harnesstypes useful to secure an animal to be groomed to a grooming table oranimal bath or wash station. The electrically actuated separable couplerdescribed hereinabove can be used with any suitable type of animaltether. Those skilled in the art will understand that all that isimportant is for the electrically actuated separable coupler to be ableto automatically separate to prevent an accidental hanging orstrangulation injury to an animal which inadvertently leave a groomingtable or wash station tub. Where there is a single lead or tether, thestructures described hereinabove can be used.

In some grooming or bathing stations (including wash or grooming tubs),there can be multiple lead or tether harness connections to a groomingpost or frame. For example, one common grooming harness system uses alead to a collar or a noose around the animal's neck in addition to asecond harness around the animal's midsection or hind section to furtherstabilize the animal during grooming. In such cases, there are typicallytwo hard connections of leads or tethers to the grooming post or othersuitable grooming structure of the grooming station.

Multiple electrically actuated separable couplers—Where there aremultiple connections of tethers to the grooming station, there can alsooptionally be an electrically actuated separable coupler at more thanone connection or at each of the connections. That way, where a personsteps off one at least one of, one or more pressure sensitive mats, morethan one electrically actuated separable couplers can separate asdescribed hereinabove. Accordingly, two or more electrically actuatedseparable couplers can separate immediately, or more typically, afterabout a 0 to 2 second delay following a detection of the groomerstepping off the pressure sensitive mat. Also, as described hereinabove,there can be a second reduced level of retention force of two or moreelectrically actuated separable couplers during the 1 to 2 second delaytime.

Exemplary uses of single and multiple electrically actuated separablecouplers according to the new system and method of the Application—Inthe examples which follow, one or more electrically actuated separablecouplers are shown in modified drawings of exemplary prior art petgrooming stations. Understood to be present, however not shown forsimplicity of illustration, are one or more pressure sensitive mats, andan electronics controller operatively coupled to both the at least oneor more pressure sensitive mats, and the one or more electricallyactuated separable couplers.

FIG. 7A shows an exemplary flexible loop for restraining animals duringhandling such as during grooming or examination or operation or in bathtubs as described by U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,685. FIG. 7B shows theexemplary flexible loop or angled harness of FIG. 7A as modified by theaddition of two electrically actuated separable couplers 212. Any suchstructures using a second attachment point, or a second tether,typically at an animal's chest height, sometimes referred to asgroomer's helpers, can be so modified according to the new system andmethod of the Application.

FIG. 8A shows an exemplary pet grooming stand with two elongatedL-shaped posts as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,946,253. Such double postsystems can be used with two tethers, such as for a collar and hindportion tether, or for convenience in moving a single tether to groomopposite sides of the animal. FIG. 8B shows the exemplary L-shaped postsof FIG. 8A as modified by the addition of two electrically actuatedseparable couplers 212.

FIG. 9A shows an exemplary structure to secure the animal by its neck,chest or haunch as was described by U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,746. FIG. 9Bshows the exemplary structure of FIG. 9A as modified by the addition oftwo electrically actuated separable couplers 212.

FIG. 10A shows an exemplary structure with an L-shaped rod and multiplehooks as described by CN202406771U. FIG. 10B shows the exemplarystructure of FIG. 10A as modified by the addition of two electricallyactuated separable couplers 212.

FIG. 11A shows an exemplary structure with a restraining bar andmultiple additional tethering points 1101, as described by U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2018/0132451. FIG. 11B shows the exemplarystructure of FIG. 11A as modified by the addition of an electricallyactuated separable coupler 212. Additional electrically actuatedseparable coupler 212 can optionally be affixed to any of the additionaltethering points 1101. The slide bar and/or fixed tether connectionpoints of FIG. 11B are also typical of animal wash stations, such as,for example, commercial animal tubs.

Grooming post—Any suitable grooming post can be used. As describedhereinabove, common grooming posts include rounded over or L shapedposts. Such posts can be fixed, or adjustably mounted to an examinationor grooming table or wash stand. Another suitable grooming post includesa U-shaped post (See, for example: FIG. 12, U-shaped post 1201, oppositeadjustable clamp not shown in FIG. 12), typically fixed, adjustablymounted at either or both of the opposite ends of the grooming or washstation. For example, with any of the multiple post or U-shaped typegrooming posts, the animal being groomed can be secured both at the neckand/or shoulders and at the rear (e.g. hips) so that, for example, theanimal remains standing during grooming.

The grooming post can also be present as one or more separate andunattached structures placed adjacent to an examination, grooming orwash station. In such cases, the one or more grooming posts need not beeither fixed or adjustably mounted to the grooming or wash station. Forexample, there can be one or more grooming post stands adjacent to agrooming wash station. Such free-standing posts can be mounted in anysuitable fashion, such as, for example, on a heavy base, or fixed oradjustable mounted to the floor and/or a wall in the vicinity of thegrooming or wash station. Moreover, there can be any suitablecombinations of the described grooming posts. Hooks, clips, eyes, etc.,fixed or adjustably mounted to a surface (e.g. a wall or other suitablesurface or post) of a grooming or wash station or to a nearby floor orwall surface are understood to be equivalent to a grooming post as usedin the Application.

FIG. 13 shows the exemplary structure of FIG. 2 where the grooming post213 includes a standalone or free-standing grooming post 1301, a base1303, and an optional hook 1305 to hold a coil of wire or cable 205. Thefree-standing grooming post 1301 can be optionally adjustable in heightand/or length of the L shape by any suitable adjustment means (e.g. onerod, pipe or tubular section sliding with another pipe or tubularsection, typically with a pin and multiple hole arrangement, or afriction clamp to set and hold a desired overlap). Similarly, the Lshaped sections could have any suitable shape including, for example,any suitable curve shapes (e.g. an exact right angle of the exemplary Lshape is unimportant to a free standing grooming post).

Suction cups—Where suitable surfaces are available, such as, forexample, a wall of or near a wash station, suction cups (e.g. suctioncups with hooks or eyes) can be used as an alternative to fixed mountedhooks or eyes.

In any of the exemplary structures, one or more electrically actuatedseparable couplers can be present on the original production orfabricated examination, grooming or wash station. Or one or moreelectrically actuated separable couplers, one or more pressure sensitivemats, and the electronics controller can be added later as an upgrade ormodification to an original production or fabricated grooming or washstation. That is a retrofit unit can be attached to an existing groomingor wash station.

Upgrade or modification kits—Any suitable grooming or wash station canbe modified by the structures described hereinabove, such as can beprovided in an upgrade or modification kit of parts or assemblies.Typically, the upgrade product or kit includes at least one electricallyactuated separable coupler, at least one pressure sensitive mat, anelectronics controller, and any suitable wires, cables, and/or wirelessdevices to operatively couple the at least one electrically actuatedseparable coupler and the at least one pressure sensitive mat to theelectronics controller. Moreover, where an electronics controller doesnot include a built-in power supply, any suitable power supply (e.g. amodular or plug in power supply (e.g. a “wall wort”) can also optionallybe provided. An electronics controller with a built-in power supply caninclude a connector for a power cord or a fixed mounted power cord (e.g.a standard three prong power cord for a standard wall outlet). The exacttype of power supply means to power the electronics controller and atleast one electrically actuated separable coupler via the electronicscontroller is unimportant.

Routing of cables—The exact routing of cables is unimportant. Forexample, wires or a cable between the electrically actuated separablecoupler and the electronics controller can be fed through a centerhollow of a round or rectangular tubular grooming post section, or woundaround the post. Where there is no post, such as a hook or eyelet in awall of or near a wash station, the wires or cables can pass through ahole in a wall, through any suitable conduit, or be supported or routedby any suitable cable ties or cable anchors.

Connectors—The exemplary drawings show direct cable connections betweenoperatively wired components. However, there can optionally beremovable, or detachable electrical or electronic connectors disposed atany suitable connection locations. For example, each of the wire orcable connections to the electronics controller can be optionally madethrough a removable or detachable connector. Also, there can optionallybe an electrical connector near or about adjacent to where theelectrically actuated separable coupler is coupled to the tether point,such as a hook or eye of a grooming post, or a hook or eye of a wall ofthe grooming station (including grooming tubs of wash stations) or ahook or eye of a nearby about adjacent wall. Such optional connectorscan facilitate assembly or disassembly of the pet grooming station, orassembly or disassembly of an upgrade or modification kit to upgrade aconventional groom station according to the new system and method of theapplication. However, in other situations, such as, for example, wherethe grooming station is manufactured as one complete unit according tothe Application, it may be more cost effective with fewer parts todirectly wire cables at the various connection points without removableor detachable connectors.

Wireless Mats—As described hereinabove, any suitable operativeconnections can be used, such as for example, any suitable wirelessconnection between each of the pressure sensitive mats (e.g. by abattery-operated wireless device) and the electronics controller 256.

FIG. 14 is a drawing of the pet grooming station of FIG. 2 showing anexemplary wireless connection between each of the pressure sensitivemats and the electronics controller 256. Any suitable wirelesscommunication devices 1401 can be used, such as, for example, Bluetooth,WIFI, near field communications (NFC), and any combination thereof. Thewireless communication devices 1401 can be integrated into or onto theat least one pressure sensitive mat, or connected to the at least onepressure sensitive mat by any suitable connector, cable, or combinationthereof. It is understood that any of the wireless devices 1401, 1403can any suitable antenna within, on, or connected to, where the antennacan be present in, on, or plugged into (e.g. wireless device pluggedinto a USB connector) on the electronics controller 256.

Pressure sensitive mat placed on the table—As an alternative to thepressure sensitive mats on or near the floor level to detect thepresence of a groomer, or in addition to those mats, there can be aseparate, typically smaller, pressure sensitive mat placed on thegrooming table.

FIG. 15 is a drawing of the pet grooming station of FIG. 2 showing anexemplary smaller, pressure sensitive mat 1501 placed on the top surface1520 of the animal grooming table 220. The pressure sensitive mat 1501can have a fixed sensitivity to weight for certain types of animalshaving a typical range of weight. Or, there can be additionalelectronics to allow a groomer to set the sensitivity of a pressuresensitive mat 1501 which mat type allows for selectable ranges ofweights (e.g. a capacitive or resistive indication as compared to abinary on/off indication). For example, there can be switch selectableweight ranges for the exemplary animal weight ranges of 2-5 pounds, 5-15pounds, 15-40 pounds, and over forty pounds. Or, there can be aselection of pressure sensitive mats to be placed under the animal to begroomed which have different ranges of sensitivity to weight. Forexample, there can be available any desired combination of two or moredifferent pressure sensitive mats for the exemplary animal weight rangesof 2-5 pounds, 5-15 pounds, 15-40 pounds, and over forty pounds.

In FIG. 15, pressure sensitive mat is shown directly wired into theelectronics controller 256. Those skilled in the art will understandthat, especially in the case of interchangeable pressure sensitive mats1501, there can be any suitable connector at the cabinet of theelectronics controller 256, inline, and/or at the mat. Where a pressuresensitive mat 1501 is used, the mat can be operatively coupled to theelectronics controller 256 by any suitable wired or wireless connectionsas described hereinabove.

Another suitable equivalent to pressure sensitive mat is a weigh scaletable top, where the weigh scale is operatively coupled to theelectronics controller 256. There can be a “TARE” type function where,for example, by press of a button, the actual weight of the animal canbe registered. Then, a preset (or adjustable) deviation from that weightcan cause the electronics controller 256 to register the animal asdeparting the weigh scale table top. Or, electronics controller 256 candirectly receive the actual weight of the animal during grooming, andmake a determination within the electronics controller 256 if there is asignificant change in weight that likely indicates the animal hasdeparted a weigh scale type table top surface 1520 of the animalgrooming table 220. All of the features, indications, and/or time delaysdescribed hereinabove with respect to the pressure sensitive mats 242,244 can be applied to a pressure sensitive mat 1501, or equivalent, suchas, a weigh scale as described hereinabove.

Water resistant/Water proof parts—Generally, the electrically actuatedpart can be water resistant, to protect both the part and for electricalsafety in the presence of grooming fluids, water, and animal fluids.However, particularly in wash station applications, the electricallyactuated part can be water proof. Similar water resistant or water proofenclosures can be used to house the electronics controller. Typically, alow voltage control can be used where the at least one pressuresensitive mat is operatively coupled to the electronics controller,however the at least one pressure sensitive mat can also be waterresistant or water proof, for any of the reasons of electrical safetyand corrosion resistance of any metallic parts therein.

Grooming table accessories—A grooming table or wash station according tothe Application can further include one or more racks, trays or hooks,and any combination thereof, such as, for example, to hold bottles ofshampoo, conditioner, detangler, brushes, combs, shears, and anycombination thereof. The edge of the grooming table can also include arack, tray or hooks for the holding of bottles of shampoo, conditioner,detangler, brushes, combs and shears.

Animal wash stations—Animal wash stations are used by both professionalanimal groomers and pet owners. For example, animal wash stations aremore commonly being made available to both professional pet groomers andpet owners at pet stores. Typically, there is a hook, eye, or bar, totether the animal to keep the animal in the wash station tub duringanimal bathing. Any of the techniques, methods, and structures of theone or more releasable couplers described hereinabove can be applied toa personal (e.g. home, groomer's store, groomer's pet care vehicle) useor commercial animal wash station.

Where the electronics controller includes a processor, firmware and/orsoftware to operate the pet grooming station can be provided on acomputer readable non-transitory storage medium. A computer readablenon-transitory storage medium as non-transitory data storage includesany data stored on any suitable media in a non-fleeting manner. Suchdata storage includes any suitable computer readable non-transitorystorage medium, including, but not limited to hard drives, non-volatileRAM, SSD devices, CDs, DVDs, etc.

It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined intomany other different systems or applications. Various presentlyunforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, orimprovements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in theart which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pet grooming station comprising: a groomingtable or tub adapted to support an animal to be groomed; a tether pointaffixed to or adjacent to said grooming table or tub; an electricallyactuated separable coupler mechanically coupled between said tetherpoint and a lead to a collar or a noose; at least one pressure sensitivemat on or adjacent to said grooming table or tub, said at least onepressure sensitive mat adapted to sense a presence of a person or theanimal on said at least one pressure sensitive mat; an electronicscontroller operatively coupled to both of said electrically actuatedseparable coupler and by a connection to said at least one pressuresensitive mat; and wherein said electrically actuated separable coupleras controlled by said electronics controller, is in a coupled state whenthe at least one pressure sensitive mat senses the presence of theperson or the animal on the at least one pressure sensitive mat, or whenthe at least one pressure sensitive mat senses that the person or theanimal is not or no longer on at least one of the at least one pressuresensitive mat the electronics controller causes the electricallyactuated separable coupler to separate.
 2. The pet grooming station ofclaim 1 wherein the electronics controller includes a predetermined orselectable time delay of about 0 to 2 seconds from sensing that theperson or the animal is not or no longer on the at least one pressuresensitive mat before causing the electrically activated separablecoupler to separate.
 3. The pet grooming station of claim 2 wherein analarm is activated during said predetermined or selectable time delay.4. The pet grooming station of claim 3 wherein the alarm is a light oraudible noise.
 5. The pet grooming station of claim 1 wherein theconnection between the electronics controller and the at least onepressure sensitive mat is a wireless connection.
 6. The pet groomingstation of claim 1 wherein the at least one pressure sensitive matcomprises a weight sensitive electrical contact mat with a preset rangeof weight detection.
 7. The pet grooming station of claim 3, comprisinga selection of weight sensitive mats, one mat of said selection ofweight sensitive mats to be placed individually one at a time, on a topsurface of the grooming table, each mat having a preset range of weightdetection adapted to detect the presence of a particular type of animalto be groomed.
 8. The pet grooming station of claim 1, wherein saidelectrically actuated separable coupler comprises an electricallyactuated solenoid to hold or release a detachable part.
 9. The petgrooming station of claim 1, wherein said tether point is disposed in oron a grooming post adjacent to the pet grooming station.
 10. The petgrooming station of claim 1, wherein said tether point comprises a hookor loop mechanically coupled to a wall of said pet grooming station, oran adjacent wall.
 11. An upgrade kit or modification kit for a petgrooming station comprising: an electrically actuated separable coupleradapted to be mechanically coupled between a tether point of said petgrooming station or to an adjacent tether point, and a lead to a collaror a noose; at least one pressure sensitive mat adapted to be disposedon or adjacent to a pet grooming table or tub, said at least onepressure sensitive mat adapted to sense a presence of a person or ananimal on said at least one pressure sensitive mat; an electronicscontroller configured to be operatively coupled to both of saidelectrically actuated separable coupler and said at least one pressuresensitive mat; and wherein following an assembly of said upgrade kit ormodification kit, said electrically actuated separable coupler ascontrolled by said electronics controller, is in a coupled state whenthe at least one pressure sensitive mat senses the presence of theperson or the animal on the at least one pressure sensitive mat, or whenthe at least one pressure sensitive mat senses that the person or theanimal is not or no longer on at least one of the at least one pressuresensitive mat the electronics controller causes the electricallyactuated separable coupler to separate.
 12. The upgrade kit ormodification kit for a pet grooming station of claim 11 wherein theelectronics controller includes a predetermined or selectable time delayof about 0 to 2 seconds from sensing that the person or the animal isnot on the at least one pressure sensitive mat before causing theelectrically actuated separable coupler to separate.
 13. The upgrade kitor modification kit for a pet grooming station of claim 12 wherein analarm is activated during said predetermined or selectable time delay.14. The upgrade kit or modification kit for a pet grooming station ofclaim 13 wherein the alarm is a light or audible noise.
 15. The upgradekit or modification kit for a pet grooming station of claim 11 whereinthe connection between the electronics controller and the at least onepressure sensitive mat is a wireless connection.
 16. The upgrade kit ormodification kit for a pet grooming station of claim 11 wherein the atleast one pressure sensitive mat comprises a weight sensitive electricalcontact mat with a preset range of weight detection.
 17. The upgrade kitor modification kit for a pet grooming station of claim 16, comprising aselection of weight sensitive mats, one mat of said selection of weightsensitive mats to be placed individually one at a time, on a top surfaceof the grooming table, each mat having a preset range of weightdetection adapted to detect the presence of a particular type of animalto be groomed.
 18. The upgrade kit or modification kit for a petgrooming station of claim 11, wherein said electrically actuatedseparable coupler comprises an electrically actuated solenoid to hold orrelease a detachable part.
 19. The upgrade kit or modification kit for apet grooming station of claim 11 wherein the connection between theelectronics controller and the at least one pressure sensitive mat is awireless connection.
 20. A method for safely grooming an animal on agrooming table comprising: providing at least one pressure sensitive matadapted to be disposed on or adjacent to the grooming table, thegrooming table adapted to support the animal wearing a collar or a nooseto tether the animal to the grooming table by an electrically actuatedseparable coupler; sensing a presence or absence of a person or ananimal by an electronics controller to establish a presence indicationof the person or pet on said at least one pressure sensitive mat; andcontrolling a coupled or released state of said electrically actuatedseparable coupler based on said presence indication, wherein in thepresence of the person or the animal, said electrically actuatedseparable coupler remains coupled, and in the absence of the person orthe animal on at least one of said at least one pressure sensitive mat,said electrically actuated separable coupler separates to release a leadof the collar or noose.
 21. The method according to claim 19 wherein thecontrolling a coupled or released state of the electrically actuatedseparable coupler includes a predetermined or selectable time delay from0 to about 2 seconds from the sensing an absence of a person or ananimal by an electronics controller to the causing the electricallyactuated separable coupler to separate.
 22. The method of claim 19,further comprising the step of: in an event where the animal jumps orfalls off said grooming table, the person stepping off of said at leastone pressure sensitive mat to release the lead to the collar of theanimal to prevent accidental hanging or strangulation of the animal.